• Biological supercapacitor: Research-ers from UCLA and the University ofConnecticut have designed a biologicalsupercapacitor (Figure 3) that com-prises a carbon nanomaterial calledgraphene layered with modified humanproteins as an electrode. The biologicalsupercapacitor charges using electro-lytes from biological fluids like bloodserum and urine, and it would work

At the University of Grenoble Alpes,
researchers were able to use a type
of BFC - a Glucose BioFuel Cells
(GBFC) - connected to a wireless
tele-transmission system that was
implanted in a rabbit (first implantation in a freely moving mammal)
and its function was monitored
and controlled for a period of two
months. Researchers were able to
wirelessly charge and discharge the
operational GBFC in vivo through a

100 k load for 30 min each day. But
according to the results, there is still
work to be done to understand long-term performance and interactions
of GBFC with living tissue. There
is also work to be done on how to
reduce inflammatory reactions in
order to create a biocompatible environment for cell growth without any
fibrous encapsulation. (https://www.
sciencedirect.com/science/article/
pii/S0013468618304705)

Fully protected by a rugged housing, these lightweights can take a lot and consistently perform
with unmatched durability. Resistant to chemicals, corrosion and pressure, they can withstand more
than 3500 autoclaving cycles at 273°F. Medical engineers can use these tough fighters to design
devices with a light source directly at the tip of the instrument. As a result, doctors can bring
illumination close to the patient and light difficult-to-reach areas during bouts with surgery or just
routine check-ups. What’s your next milestone?